'Classrooms are like greenhouses' - Shropshire residents debate school closures due to extreme heat

Some schools in the West Midlands have announced changes to their hours or complete closures due to extreme hot weather forecast this week - but not everyone agrees with the decision.

Yesterday, the Met Office has issued a rare Red Extreme Heat Warning for this week, alongside Amber warnings from Monday through Thursday across much of southern and central England and Wales.

Temperatures are set to climb from around 34°C on Monday (June 22) to a peak of at least 39°C on Wednesday (June 24) and Thursday (June 25), with the potential to break June’s all-time UK daily temperature record.

Wood Green School in Wednesbury has announced it will close for two days and two schools in Kidderminster and Bewdley have said they will close early - sparking a debate among Black Country residents.

Some Shropshire Star readers agreed that the weather poses a risk to health, with one reader writing: “Yes, it’s a no brainer.”

Another added: “When I lived in Cyprus they sent the kids home once temps were confirmed above 35... so if they do it, yes,” while a third commented: “ Yes definitely, the classrooms are like greenhouses.”

A fourth wrote: “I think each school should make a decision based on resources such as air-conditioning, ventilation etc available to them.”

However, others argued that a bit of heat is no reason for children to be missing out on school time - with some saying it was just an excuse for teachers to get the day off. One user said: “No, safer at school. If parents are working then they are safer at school.”

A second argued: “Absolutely not, it’s called summer. We went in all weathers. The worlds gone soft.” Another wrote: “How comes a bit of heat or snow brings this country to a standstill? Let’s us come common sense!”

A fourth wrote: “No not the right idea. Start earlier, work outside. We never got sent home for hot summers.”

What do you think? Let us know in the comments below!